Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which factor can influence the severity of an infectious disease in a population?

1. Genetic predisposition

2. Type of healthcare facility

3. Season of the year

4. Access to vaccines

The correct answer is: Genetic predisposition

The severity of an infectious disease in a population can be significantly influenced by genetic predisposition. This factor encompasses the genetic variations that individuals may carry, which can affect their immune response to pathogens. Certain genetic traits may enhance an individual's ability to fend off infections or may make them more susceptible to severe manifestations of the disease. For example, some populations may have genetic traits that provide immunity or resistance to specific infectious agents, while others may lack such protective genes, leading to more severe outcomes. Understanding the role of genetic predisposition is crucial in public health, as it can inform targeted interventions, potential vaccine development, and personalized medical approaches based on population genetics. This consideration integrates the biological aspects of disease susceptibility and helps shape public health strategies to mitigate outbreaks effectively. Other factors mentioned, such as the type of healthcare facility, season of the year, and access to vaccines, certainly influence disease dynamics, but they do not intrinsically alter the biological susceptibility of individuals in the same profound manner that genetic predisposition does. These factors can affect disease spread and management but rely on the underlying individual and population genetic makeup in determining severity.